Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is reportedly considering a proposal to reduce the Rs 10,000 fine imposed on vehicles found without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) at toll gates.
Sharing this information, Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena on Wednesday acknowledged the issue of hefty fines and assured that the government is actively considering relief measures. “We are reviewing the current fine structure at toll gates. The amount may be reduced to make it more reasonable for vehicle owners, while still ensuring compliance with pollution norms,” he said.
The move comes amid growing concerns from vehicle owners about the heavy penalties being levied for non-compliance.
The Minister emphasised that with more than one crore vehicles operating in the state and a declining air quality index, ensuring pollution compliance is essential. The move to reconsider the fine amount is aimed at making enforcement more practical while promoting environmental responsibility, he said.
Currently, vehicles without valid PUCC face steep fines of Rs 10,000 when checked at toll gates, a measure introduced to curb vehicular pollution and enforce environmental standards. However, the penalties have sparked debate, with motorists arguing that the fines are disproportionately high and often imposed without adequate awareness campaigns.
The Minister’s statement has offered a ray of hope to thousands of vehicle owners across Odisha, who have been demanding a more balanced approach to enforcement.
Notably, the Orissa High Court on Tuesday made it mandatory for vehicle owners to clear all pending traffic challans before obtaining a Pollution Under Control Certificate. The HC directed that a PUCC cannot be issued unless all outstanding challans against the vehicle are fully paid.